Minnesota could be a playoff team this year, maybe should be. They have Kevin Love in the middle as the anchor, and this summer they added some guys who potentially really lift the franchise in Brandon Roy and Andrei Kirilenko.

But ultimately, Minnesota’s playoff chances come back to Ricky Rubio — the young Spanish center drives the Timberwolves offense. They need him.

Kahn said point guard Ricky Rubio’s rehabilitation from knee surgery “is proceeding well.” Rubio’s knee will be examined in the coming days in Vail, Colo., and he’s expected in Minneapolis within three weeks.

While the original prognosis was for Rubio to return in January don’t be shocked if it is a little earlier, around Christmas. How much the team pushes Rubio may depend on what they get out of Roy and Luke Ridnour. Minnesota really wants to make the playoffs.

But they need to think long term. Like Derrick Rose in Chicago, there is no reason to rush your star point guard back from injury for a January game when what really matters is what he can bring you in the coming years.